Drivers could be facing a £400 bill by the end of this week with hot weather set to scorch the UK. Parking a vehicle in direct sunlight amid soaring temperatures may seem harmless but could dramatically backfire with hefty costs facing road users. 

The hot sun emits powerful UV rays which can deteriorate car bodywork panels and discolour paintwork. This could result in some parts of the car looking considerably different to others which would impact re-sale value. Meanwhile, the hot conditions could put glass windscreens at considerable risk in a major blow to cash-strapped drivers. 

Justin Hall, Engineering Supremo at IMO Car Wash has previously said: “A spell of warm weather is exactly what we need after a miserable start to summer, but if you're a vehicle owner, then it's important to remember that heat can cause damage to your car.

“Powerful UV rays can cause the pigments in your paintwork to deteriorate, leading to discolouration, while high temperatures can cause your vehicle's metal components to expand and contract, potentially resulting in warping and misalignment.

“Meanwhile, extended exposure to heat can cause minor cracks in your windshield and windows to expand, which could prove dangerous for unaware drivers."

The advice is just as important now with meteorologists predicting searing heat for the rest of the week. 

Temperatures are set to reach 24 Celsius in London on Tuesday, with the warm weather set to continue into the weekend. 

According to experts at CheckaTrade, respraying a car could set road users back hundreds of pounds. 

Respraying the bumper is likely to cost drivers around £280 but touching up an entire panel will cost around £400.

Badly damaged models which require a complete respray of the entire vehicle could cost individuals up to £2,400.

Motoring and breakdown experts at the RAC stressed that respraying costs will vary based on the size of the car and extent of the damage. 

The quality of paint used in the respray will also determine how high prices could rise by.

The RAC added: “Respraying can give your car a fresh look and boost its value. Whether it’s to repair damage or to give your car a fresh new look, it's vital to choose someone you trust to do the work. 

“Knowing what you’re paying and what to expect means you’ll get a high-quality respray that ticks all the boxes.”